Overheating AGAIN!!!!! Dammit

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by missionaha

Thanks for the advice.

Do you think this is what causes so many others this mystery overheat problem?

I don't. If the water pump is leaking, sure, but not prevalent.
From what I've seen:
Thermostat
Radiator cap
Fan
Hoses - leaky or too soft
Clogged radiator
Head gasket

All are more common than water pump and can cause overheating.

[missionaha]

Originally Posted by quicksilverdon

I don't. If the water pump is leaking, sure, but not prevalent.
From what I've seen:
Thermostat
Radiator cap
Fan
Hoses - leaky or too soft
Clogged radiator
Head gasket

All are more common than water pump and can cause overheating.

Interesting.


I will report back in the morning with an update from the mechanic.

[Mal]

I agree with quicksilver that a water pump is seldom the cause of overheating directly. Often, however, the water pump leak will cause a low water level that will cause an overheat. Additionally if the water pump is leaking so much that it, in effect, relieves the cooling system pressure, the car will boil over and subsequently overheat. Most lower pressure systems can be operated for extended times with a leaking water pump by releasing the radiator cap to the first stop. The result is that the water pump leaks little or none and the car doesn't overheat. I can tell you from personal experience that the PT doesn't work that way. If the cooling system is depressurized by releasing the cap to the first stop, a bad cap or a leaking water pump the car will, in a short time, boil over and then overheat.

Bottom line is that water pump leaks are the primary mode of failure but will not, in themselves, cause an overheat. If, however, the leak is large the loss of coolant and/or cooling system pressure will cause an overheat.

I know this is a stupid question but I have to ask. You are checking and filling coolant at the radiator, not just the overflow? I ask because with a leak, only a small portion of coolant added to the overflow will replenish the cooling system. Also because someone other than you reported the water pump leak. They are easy to spot. One of my kids drove weeks only filling the overflow until the leak got the best of her.

The water pump replacement will cost a bit under $1000 and it involves getting to the timing belt, idler, tensioner and seals. Replacement of those things is recommended depending on mileage and will get the bill to a bit over $1000. Good luck.

[missionaha]

Originally Posted by Mal

I agree with quicksilver that a water pump is seldom the cause of overheating directly. Often, however, the water pump leak will cause a low water level that will cause an overheat. Additionally if the water pump is leaking so much that it, in effect, relieves the cooling system pressure, the car will boil over and subsequently overheat. Most lower pressure systems can be operated for extended times with a leaking water pump by releasing the radiator cap to the first stop. The result is that the water pump leaks little or none and the car doesn't overheat. I can tell you from personal experience that the PT doesn't work that way. If the cooling system is depressurized by releasing the cap to the first stop, a bad cap or a leaking water pump the car will, in a short time, boil over and then overheat.

Bottom line is that water pump leaks are the primary mode of failure but will not, in themselves, cause an overheat. If, however, the leak is large the loss of coolant and/or cooling system pressure will cause an overheat.

I know this is a stupid question but I have to ask. You are checking and filling coolant at the radiator, not just the overflow? I ask because with a leak, only a small portion of coolant added to the overflow will replenish the cooling system. Also because someone other than you reported the water pump leak. They are easy to spot. One of my kids drove weeks only filling the overflow until the leak got the best of her.

The water pump replacement will cost a bit under $1000 and it involves getting to the timing belt, idler, tensioner and seals. Replacement of those things is recommended depending on mileage and will get the bill to a bit over $1000. Good luck.

Yes I have been checking and refilling at the radiator. And it has needed it. I'd estimate that about a quart of fluid is leaking during a short drive and overnight sit. Sometimes more if it gets hot enough for a boil over (out the overflow tank).

Consensus here appears to be that a leaky water pump on a PT Cruiser may be the culprit for this weird overheat problem. The only other thing I can think of is a bad radiator. However I am hoping the mechanics would catch that if it was the problem.

I'll be talking to the mechanic this morning, see what he says. If the only answer is the water pump replacement then I think the best thing to do is take care of the timing etc while he's in there. Heck, if this solves the problem my PT will be cruisin for years after all this work.

Thanks for the advice!

I will report back.


EDIT TO SAY: One other thing that has confounded me is that after the thermostat replacement coolant flush and cap replacement last week. My heater no longer blows hot air??

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by missionaha

EDIT TO SAY: One other thing that has confounded me is that after the thermostat replacement coolant flush and cap replacement last week. My heater no longer blows hot air??

It all has to do with the overheating of the engine because of the water pump. Lose water from the pump, air gets into the cooling system and air looks for the highest spot which is the heater core in the dash. The water pump needs to be replaced, coolant replaced and all the air needs to be bled out of the system. The heat will come back and the overheating of the engine will stop (provided everything is in working order).

[missionaha]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

It all has to do with the overheating of the engine because of the water pump. Lose water from the pump, air gets into the cooling system and air looks for the highest spot which is the heater core in the dash. The water pump needs to be replaced, coolant replaced and all the air needs to be bled out of the system. The heat will come back and the overheating of the engine will stop (provided everything is in working order).

You guys are the best!

Ok, talked to the mechanic. He did a test to check the flow through the heater and it flows. So no clog there.

Following your guys advice I am having him get me an estimate for the water pump AND timing belt etc.

I will keep updating this thread as it progresses.

Thanks again!

[Mal]

One of the reasons professional mechanics get the premium they do on the work is that they also must diagnose problems. I don't know your relationship with your mechanic; but if you tell him to replace the water pump and timing belt, etc; that's what he'll likely do. It might be prudent to ask him to fix the overheating problem. It might well be he'll replace the water pump, certainly if it is leaking but he may well do more troubleshooting and find a sure fix for the overheating.

[missionaha]

Originally Posted by Mal

One of the reasons professional mechanics get the premium they do on the work is that they also must diagnose problems. I don't know your relationship with your mechanic; but if you tell him to replace the water pump and timing belt, etc; that's what he'll likely do. It might be prudent to ask him to fix the overheating problem. It might well be he'll replace the water pump, certainly if it is leaking but he may well do more troubleshooting and find a sure fix for the overheating.

Excellent, excellent advice.

Thank you.

[Pteazer]

CREWZIN IS RIGHT YOU HAVE TO BLEED THE SYSTEM AND YOU BETTER HAVE A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT ASAP OR YOU MAY DO SOME VERY EXPENSIVE DAMAGE. DONT DRIVE IT FAR IF ITS RUNNING HOT. GOOD LUCK.Ray.

[missionaha]

UPDATE:

Car is done need to go pick it up.

Mechanic said once they got to the water pump it was obvious why it was overheating. The rust corroded out the propeller and the housing for the thermostat was rotted out to.

They replaced the timing belt, tensioners ,ect while in there to.

Total bill: $1,387.00

Thanks again for the advice.